Only at the Auto Moto d’Epoca will you find a Bugatti EB110 and a Lamborghini Miura for sale in the outside dealer car corral, but the premier Italian show from 22-25 October is always full of surprises.
Just a 30-minute train journey from Venice, the huge event in the Fiera di Padova packs seven halls including two solely for the autojumble.
Among the wealth of Etceterinis, the talking point was a wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C Freccia d’Oro which had been converted to a flatbed to transport Bianchi racing cycles. The barn-find discovery was used by the Fratelli Montevecchi team on the Giro d’Italia in the ‘50s, and hopefully we be restored for retro cycle events. Just imagine it parked up in Tuscany on L’Eroica!
Other highlights around the club and specialist displays included a pair of ‘50s Maserati sport racers; a fabulous Vignale bodied Fiat ‘Otto Vu’ coupé; and an unrestored 1936 Lancia Augusta with stylish Farina drophead bodywork. Biggest surprise was a vintage Morris Cowley among the cars for sale.
In general the prices were very high, but look long enough and you’ll discover a bargain. Very tempting was a one-owner 1968 Lancia Fulvia saloon with just 64,000km for €6,000 (£4,326). Perfect for a road trip back to the UK via the Dolomites.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC